In front of a Paradise Valley Home, many moons ago, a desperate young woman sat in a station wagon with a loaded handgun and a broken heart. Inside the home her secret lover was spending time with his "real" family while her five children and her husband were at their home, in the same town. So many secrets surround this woman still and threaten to consume her children yet today.
We don't know what thoughts were racing in her mind or what quiet voice finally convinced her to put that gun to her temple, pull the trigger and try to take her own life. What we know is that she did not do it, completely. Ah, she took her life well enough, for it was never ever the same again, but she did not die that hot Arizona day. Instead she ended up in a nursing home unable to care for herself and unable to interact with her own flesh and blood until last night. Last night she drew her final breath.
Charley told me this morning, "Well, at least she is dancing now."
January 15th
One year ago today I began to eat differently. It is called the Ketogenic diet and the information is out there for free ...
Yes she is free! I'm sorry for the family's loss. HUGS to Charley.
ReplyDeleteHorrible for her then... Freedom for her now.
ReplyDeleteA tragic story told masterfully without a hint of sentimentality. If I were her, I'd be proud to have YOU tell my story. You gave her the humanity she deserved. May she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteA masterfully written, but sad story. At least aunt Helene is at peace now. My heart goes out to the family.
ReplyDeleteHow beautifully you remembered and honored her with your sweet words. I feel for the family and hugs to Charley.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how they go... it's the distance that make us sad.
Let her dance in your memories forever!
XOXO,
Lori
The dance of heaven... held in God's eternal embrace...
ReplyDeletePlease give Charley our best wishes. We also had an institutionalized aunt, and understand the mixture of feelings that occurs when a loved one in that situation passes.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Bon & Mal
Condolences to Charley and the whole family. An outstandingly tightly written piece, Christina. I can only send up prayers.
ReplyDeleteSpencer
http://spencersotherplace.blogspot.com/
I will be thinking of you but especially Charley now. It is hard but at least she is free now. Love you both,
ReplyDeleteA
I will keep Charley and the family in my thoughts. So sorry for your loss. A sad story told wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteTake care of you too, hugs to Charley.
My heart goes to Charley and to You. Theresa said it so perfectly, I agree!
ReplyDeleteBless you Christina.
Jo
It is sad that we all can't pick our time and have it told so well.
ReplyDeleteReally good entry.
Gosh that is so horribly sad. Well wishes to her loved ones. May all find peace now.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Give a hug to Charley for me. Yes, she is dancing now.
ReplyDeleteDeb
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Please give Charley a hug for me. You guys will be in my prayers. My sincere condolences, Christina...xox Val
ReplyDeletethinking of Charley and you.....this life can be enormously difficult, and sometimes people have to live with consequences they never dreamed.
ReplyDeleteI am sure she is glad to be free of her earth suit now.
Aww, Christina. I hadn`t realized the implications in Charley`s suffering. My heart and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.
ReplyDeleteYou`ve written a beautiful tribute to a very sad life. Ruling out alcohol or drugs, there`s something missing in those that seriously attempt suicide. That something within ourselves that makes us feel of value independent of our circumstances. Not just a will to live, but an inner acknowledgement of our value as a human being.
Hugs to Charley for his loss and to you for these wonderful words.
V
Charley and Christina, I am so sorry to hear about your Aunt. I pray she is dancing now in a younger womans body; the body she had before pain set in her mind and heart.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers,
Mom
I thought I should add that she shot herself 41 years ago...
ReplyDeletebefore Charley or I were even born....